St Moritz, Switzerland

Where The ski world has no rival to this resort for the rich and famous. It is set around the shores of a beautiful lake that – when frozen – hosts sports such as golf, cricket, show-jumping and horse-racing. The skiing isn’t bad either. To save money, stay in a small, family-run place rather than one of the landmark hotels.

Ski The resort’s Hotel & Ski Pass deal costs from £138pp for six days. There is 350km of piste.

Courchevel, France

Where To make a stay in the Gallic alternative to St Moritz more affordable, you’d normally be advised to steer clear of glittering 1850 and pick one of the lower villages, but I’ve found an exception. If you’re driving from the UK stop for the basics in one of the valley supermarkets, and for a meal that won’t require a second mortgage, take the bus down to Courchevel Moriond or Le Praz.

Chamonix, France

Where This is the big mountain of skiing, somewhere to aspire to when you have the necessary proficiency and nerve to do justice to the incredible ski area. Stock up with food en route at Annemasse or Sallanches.

Book Chalet Chosalet, from £438pp for seven nights’ self-catering, with Butler & Lloyd. Travel not included; fly via Geneva. Or the Chamonix Lodge Hostel has beds for €28.50 per night in a four-bed room, and from €33.25pp in a double.

Val d’Isère, France

Where This is an expensive resort – up there with the Three Valleys. To trim the fat off a trip here, stay in the unfashionable suburb of La Daille, or opt for all-inclusive accommodation.

Ski Lift pass included, 300km ski area.

Book Lessons and food are included in a stay at UCPA’s large chalet, via Action Outdoors (£548pp full-board in multi-share rooms including equipment rental). It sleeps 250, has an in-house nightclub and is three minutes’ walk from the town centre. Travel not included – fly to Grenoble, Lyon, Chambéry or Geneva.

St Anton, Austria

Where One of Austria’s top resorts, in terms of skiing terrain and popularity, so it’s more costly than the smaller Tyrolean villages. However, your money will go further in Austria than in most of the other mainstream skiing countries.

Book Chalet Rathia sleeps 20, so it is geared up to accommodate more than one group of guests. From £598pp with Alpine Elements, including flights to Friedrichshafen and transfers. Discounts for groups of six or more.

Verbier, Switzerland

Where This is a favourite of international celebrities who, unlike St Moritz regulars, can ski like a dream. Prices suit a demanding clientele, so opt for accommodation on the resort’s peripheries. In the Verbier Village quarter, the architecture of ancient chalets and barns makes it feel local rather than touristy.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Where Two hours from Venice is a resort with a history – it hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and has starred in many a Hollywood film, including The Pink Panther, For Your Eyes Only and Cliffhanger. The high street has enticing restaurants and wine bars.

Méribel, France

Where Not quite as expensive as neighbouring Courchevel, this chalet-style resort is actually a collection of hamlets spread around the mountainside. Buy most of your week’s food at the hypermarket in Moûtiers before you start your ascent to the resort.

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